Fire Bans

Current Fire Hazard Status

ATHABASCA COUNTY

A FIRE ADVISORY is in effect for the area of the County outside of the Forest Protection Area.

In accordance with Athabasca County Fire Services Bylaw 015-2023 section 8, a Fire Control Order is now in effect for lands within Athabasca County located outside the forest protection area.
Due to dry conditions and a lack of precipitation from the fall and winter months, a Fire Advisory is now in effect.
Under this advisory:
•New fire permits will not be issued for non-essential heavy burning (including but not limited to Windrows, Machine-Piled Brush Piles, Bales, and Old Structures).
•Existing heavy burning permits will not be renewed.
•All other fire permit requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Furthermore, residents are urged to inspect permitted burn sites to ensure they are completely extinguished. Fires can smolder underground and flare up into a wildfire when the conditions are right. It is the landowners responsibility to ensure that all permitted burns are extinguished prior to expiration of their permit.
This Fire Control Order comes into effect at 10 o’clock a.m. on the 22nd day of February 2024 and will remain in effect until amended or revoked by the proper authority of Athabasca County.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

You may view the status of all fire bans within the province at https://albertafirebans.ca/.

Please contact us for more information:

780-675-2273 | 1-844-662-2273 | info@athabascacounty.com

FOREST PROTECTION AREA

A portion of Athabasca County falls under the Alberta Forest Protection Area which is governed by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. This provincial agency manages and responds to all wildfires and is responsible for issuing permits and putting on fire bans in the Forest Protection Area (see map below). Call 780-675-8168 for more information.

Alberta Forest Protection Area Boundary Map

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Forest Protection Area Athabasca County

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FIRE BAN BACKGROUND

Athabasca County monitors fire hazard during the spring, summer and fall in order to determine the risk of wildfire and may issue a fire ban if the hazard is high. A fire ban is an order issued by the provincial government and/or the County to restrict the use of fire in areas of high hazard. The order describes what types of fire are allowed or may in fact entirely prohibit the use of any fire. This is a tool to attempt to minimize the risk of accidental wildfires resulting from human activity.

The County utilizes the Fire Weather Index (FWI) System to assess the fire hazard as well as consultation with the local SRD fire prevention officers. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has moved to a five level colour-coded system for putting on fire bans in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta and Athabasca County will be following this same system.

The system will increase efficiency in applying fire use restrictions during increasing fire hazard. It will also provide more advanced warning about possible impacts on burning and campfires. The intent is to improve the overall system and be more consistent in our terminology while using plain language.

This system will allow us to be more flexible as the fire situation changes. The general description of the five levels is as follows:

No Restriction – Fire permits are required during fire season for any type of burning in the FPA, except campfires. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas.

Fire Advisory – The fire hazard rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn’t improve.

Fire Restriction – Safe campfires are allowed in fire rings in campgrounds only. No campfires (or other open fires) or charcoal briquettes are allowed in backcountry or random camping areas. Gas or propane stoves/barbeques and portable propane fire pits are allowed.

Fire Ban – Fire permits may be suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued. If the situation continues to worsen, ESRD will put on a fire ban. No campfires (or other open fires) are allowed in campgrounds or backcountry and random camping areas. This includes charcoal briquettes. Gas or propane stoves/barbeques and portable propane fire pits are allowed. All fire permits are suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.

Forest Area Closure – The fire hazard has reached such extreme levels that portions of the forest are closed and no access is permitted for public safety concerns.

A complete list of Provincial Fire Bans or the current level of restriction in the County can be obtained by visiting www.albertafirebans.ca

FIRE PERMITS

If you are planning to burn some debris a fire permit is required by law. They are free and can be applied for using our online form or contacting the Athabasca County Admin Office.

VIEW PERMIT INFO